Well, that's logical but my opinion would be to first try a limited pellet diet. I call this "measured ration" which is different from a restricted diet. I try to have all my animals fed in such a way that they have just a few kibbles left at the end of the day which I throw away and then replace with a given volume. Then I know if someone isn't eating.

I think Josephine might have also done it. Because I have a hyperthyroid skinny and a senior with weight loss issues I need to keep giving pellets tho I only give the pellets at night when I can't separate the weight loss pigs out to feed them extra.

I for one really doubt they are not eatting enough hay because of having pellets. My pigs eat all of the time, non-stop except when they are sleeping. I do ration their pellets, but they get just as excited about the pellets as they do veggies.

If you find that your piggies are not eatting a lot of hay try a different hayrack, or try putting their hay in a pan and just allowing them to forge and play in it.

I can understand not feeding pellets if you have a "problem" pig, but really I just don't get the whole concept of not feeding pellets so they eat more hay. Just my opinion.

My guys get a rationed amount of pellets. In the a.m. and then again in the p.m., the "single" pigs each get 1 tablespoon. The pairs get 2 tablespoons. They get their pellets after having very rougly a cup of fresh greens (endive, green and red leaf lettuces, Boston lettuce, and usually a little green pepper or tomato), and they eat the pellets in one sitting. Then they move on to the hay, which they eat throughout the day.

Some guinea pigs (rabbits too) will not eat hay if there are pellets available. I have several in the rescue, and my own bunny Pippin, who won't touch a piece of hay unless the food dish is empty of pellets.

There are a couple of vets around my area who advocate going pelletless. And although it is not the case with us here (GLers being much more conscientious about feeding) some people come to rely too much on pellets--as long as the pig has pellets they feel they can skimp of hay and/or vegetables and greens.

I do ration their pellets, but they get just as excited about the pellets as they do veggies.

Mine too!

Unless you had a specific problem I would think it's much easier to feed limited amounts of pellets. I think I would find it pretty hard - and extremely expensive - to work out if my pigs were getting the proper nutritional balance in veggies alone.

And the price of veggies here is through the roof! Just feeding (generously) daily veggies is a big expense here.

FWIW The vet I use has done fine by me and he says either or both will keep the teeth ground down. He also said they won't overeat no matter what you feed them. He also says if they will chew on wood that will help with the teeth but it is not necessary. Mine don't chew on the wood I provide and their teeth are fine according to Dr. Bob. My little family will eat a bale of hay a day and two tablespoons of pellets but I still won't pull the pellets. I suppose that the fact that it is their only source of alfalfa is the main reason but they seem to enjoy sitting in the dish.......lol.

He also said they won't overeat no matter what you feed them. He also says if they will chew on wood that will help with the teeth

Hmm, maybe someone else could comment on whether or not pigs can overeat. Mine will eat and eat until all the veggies are gone - I'd be inclined to think they would overeat.

I've never had a guinea pig chew on wood. If you provide unlimited hay - they usually don't have much use for other things (besides, maybe cardboard). They really aren't chewers in the way the other rodents are. But then, I have a mouse - and have yet to see him chew wood either.

I think maybe I was misunderstood - my pigs eat copious amounts of hay. They have hay racks and hay boxes and toilet paper tubes full of the stuff (Kleenmamas). I'm just trying to be proactive in preventing teeth issues in the future.

I think Mum's right - it'd be awfully hard for me to provide all that they need myself. They do get a variety of veggies twice daily, but it's hard to calculate just how much of a vitamin is present in any given vegetable.

I think I might just further ration their pellets (at least the healthy boys).